Nicole Richie's DUI Probation Extended

Nicole Richie has been missing her court-mandated drug and alcohol courses—but she has a legitimate excuse, unlike Lindsay Lohan.

According to TMZ, an LA judge extended Richie’s probation today by one full year because Nicole has been missing her alcohol education classes.

Her lawyer, Shawn Chapman Holley (who also represents Lindsay), explained to the judge Tuesday that Richie had a court-approved leave of absence, a condition of her probation, while she raised her kids, Harlow, 2, and Sparrow, 9 months.

Nicole is on probation because of her 2006 DUI, when she was arrested after driving the wrong way on an L.A. freeway. Her probation was due to terminate next month, but will now be extended until March 2011.

The judge said he would terminate her probation earlier if she completes the alcohol ed program before March.

The alcohol education report says Nicole is very professional and serious about her classes, saying, "Her attitude is excellent."

It’s been so long since we’ve seen “party Nicole” that we can’t even remember her acting like that! She’s such a great mom!